palpitate, mangle, reproach, arrogate, spurn: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 71. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. palpitate · verb/ˈpæl.pəˌteɪt/

   to beat or throb rapidly and strongly

   When I saw the surprise party, my heart began to palpitate with excitement.

   Synonyms: throb, beat, pulsate

   Origin: from Latin 'palpitare', meaning 'to tremble' or 'to throb'

2. mangle · verb/ˈmæŋɡl/

   to severely damage or mutilate something by cutting, tearing, or inflicting injury

   He accidentally mangled his finger while trying to fix the machine.

   Synonyms: destroy, damage, mutilate

   Origin: from Middle English 'manglen', from Old French 'mangler' which means to handle or to injure, based on Latin 'māngere' meaning to eat or chew.

3. reproach · noun/rɪˈproʊtʃ/

   an expression of disapproval or disappointment

   Her eyes showed a look of reproach when he forgot her birthday.

   Synonyms: disapproval, blame, criticism

   Origin: from Old French 'reproche' meaning 'reproach, blame'; from Latin 'reprochare', meaning 'to blame, to rebuke'

4. arrogate · verb/ˈær.əˌɡeɪt/

   to claim or seize without justification

   The leader tried to arrogate power that did not belong to him.

   Synonyms: claim, seize, take

   Origin: from Latin 'arrogare', meaning 'to claim for oneself'

5. spurn · verb/spɜrn/

   to reject with disdain or contempt

   She decided to spurn his offer of help because she wanted to do it on her own.

   Synonyms: reject, disdain, scorn

   Origin: The word 'spurn' comes from the Old English 'spernian', which means to reject or to drive away.